(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Berlin, 1961: In this exciting political thriller, factual events are interwoven in an exciting fictional plot. While the construction of the Berlin Wall challenges JFK with the first major crisis of his presidency, young CIA agent Philip Marsden is sent into East Berlin on his first mission. While the tanks face off at Checkpoint Charlie, he uncovers the difficult truth about his Russian-born mother.

Here's the thing that bothered me about this book:

* JFK
* The Cold War
* Russian Spies
* The Berlin Wall
* Germany

Seen all those plot points before? Sure you have - the 80s and 90s were awash with political thrillers - Clancy, Ludlum, Forsyth, Le Carre, Deighton...all brilliant writers who really tapped into the atmosphere of the time.

This book was not written by any of those authors. It was written by someone who did a lot of careful research, put it all together in a well-constructed story...but it was just missing heart and atmosphere. At times, it felt like reading a history textbook - "Here is my research, make it a book..." I never connected to the story as it didn't compel me too. If it wasn't for the name dropping and actual historical events, this book could have been set anywhere and at any time and had just as much atmosphere and intrigue.

I won't put myself through any more of these books...


Paul
ARH